Health of Military Families Gets a Political Boost

(May 13) -- As the Pentagon reels over the surging cost of health care for military vets, the well-being of American troops and their kin is taking top billing among politicians and advocates in the nation's capital this week.

Health problems among war veterans are nothing new, but the sheer number of vets now coming home with lifelong afflictions, whether physical or psychological, threatens to overwhelm Pentagon budgets.

The cost of caring for troops, which is increasing an estimated 10 percent a year, is "eating us alive," according to Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Health care now accounts for 9 percent of the U.S. defense budget, up from 6 percent in 2001.

But while the debate over money persists, new research into the impact of military service on a war fighter's spouse and children is eliciting alarm among experts and activists, who want to see even bigger military medical budgets. Combined, the two factors were enough to spur a summit designed to work toward solutions leading to sustainable health care for military families.

Led by the National Military Family Association, the two-day meeting started Wednesday in Washington, D.C., with a presentation by first lady Michelle Obama.

Helping the families of our armed forces "is our moral obligation," she said. "[And] it's also a matter of national security. The readiness of our armed forces depends on the readiness of our military families."

Among her announcements was a "landmark" new study set to start next month. Called the Military Family Life Project, it's expected to include 100,000 military personnel and their kin, and will attempt to identify their most pressing concerns.

The administration will also order a review of 20 different federal agencies to develop a widespread strategy to support service members, their children and their partners.

"This has to be all hands on deck," the first lady. "This is a challenge to government."

As recent research shows, the consequences of war aren't limited to veterans. Spouses of fighters deployed to Iraq for one to 11 months are 18 percent more likely to suffer depression than those whose partners didn't go to war. And children -- especially those whose parents endure multiple deployments -- face increased risk of anxiety and disciplinary problems.

But while members of the NMFA met to discuss a blueprint for a healthier future among military families, Congress today convened to debate the possibility of paring down military expenditures and reducing some health costs by increasing out-of-pocket co-payments.

The idea, raised last week by Gates, was quickly dismissed by members of Congress.

However, all signs point to even steeper health care costs in the years to come. It's a reminder of the tremendous price paid by American soldiers and their families, but also a burden some politicians doubt can be sustained.

"I want to be generous and fair to all those who serve, but there's a cost-containment problem," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said at a hearing last month. "I don't see how we can sustain this forever."